Fin's Fish Guide
The Bay snook (Petenia splendida) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Freshwater of Central America, from southern Mexico to Guatemala and Belize.
Description
The bay snook is a large cichlid from fresh waters of Central America. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a streamlined body and a greatly protrusible mouth with which it sucks in prey fishes. Its ground colour ranges from silvery-green with dark blotches to a bright red colour form. It inhabits lakes and the slower lower reaches of rivers with soft sand and mud bottoms. As a specialised piscivore it is an active predator. The species is fished commercially on a local scale and is a valued food fish. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bay snook?
The Bay snook has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Mouth that can be protruded very far for sucking in prey fishes.
Where does the Bay snook live?
The Bay snook lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater of Central America, from southern Mexico to Guatemala and Belize.
How big does the Bay snook get?
The Bay snook grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Bay snook dangerous to humans?
No, the Bay snook is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Bay snook edible?
Yes, the Bay snook is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Bay snook?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bay snook is one of 12,519 species in the app.